The world-famous 23-day race will come to London for the second time ever and travel through boroughs including Waltham Forest, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Westminster.

Entering Redbridge from Epping Forest on Monday, July 7, the cyclists will make their way down Epping New Road, into High Road, Woodford Green and Woodford New Road, before leaving the borough down Forest Road after the Waterworks Corner.

Thousands of people are expected to line the route to see the race, which will pass outside The Village Bookshop in High Road, Woodford Green.

Owner Tan Dillon said the prospect of the Tour was “very exciting”.

He added: “This particular part of the High Road is a conservation area and there’s plenty of greenery.

“I think the whole community will come out and watch, it will be great for the whole area.”

Kim Butterworth is looking forward to seeing the race with family and friends when it passes near her home in Peel Road, South Woodford.

She said: “People have already asked us if they can come to stay.

“I’m not normally a cycling fan at all but we got sucked into sport with the Olympics and it will be nice to bring back the spirit of the Games to Redbridge.”

Bike-mad daughter Megan Butterworth, 11, said she was excited for the race.

She added: “I go cycling on the weekends to Epping Forest, I can do quite a few miles.

“My favourite cyclist is Bradley Wiggins because I think he’s very heroic.”

The leader and deputy leader of Redbridge Council, Cllr Keith Prince and Cllr Ian Bond, called the Tour de France “an incredible test of skill, strength and endurance”.

The British section of the race is starting in Yorkshire and London will be the last stage before the cyclists head to France.